God has freed us from the power of darkness, and brought us into the kingdom of the Son. The Son paid for our sins, and in him we have forgiveness. Colossians 1:13-14 (NCV)
A Prayer for the Week:
Lord Jesus, King of kings, teach us to forgive as you forgive. Amen. (Luke 23:34)
Mealtime Prayer:
Lord of lords and King of kings, to you our thanks and praise we bring. For health and food and all you give, for every moment that we live. Amen.
A Blessing to Give:
May God make you patient and strong, so that you never give up. Amen. (Colossians 1:11)
CARING
CONVERSATION
Discuss in your household or small group:
• Imagine that a king is coming to your house today.
How will you prepare for his visit?
• How is Jesus like an earthly king? How is he different?
• What does it mean to have Jesus as your King?
DEVOTIONS
Use this simple liturgy based on Colossians 1:12-14. Gather together matches, one candle for each family member and an additional “Christ candle.” Dim lights to darken your devotional area.
Leader: We were under the power of darkness. But, God sent Jesus the Light into the world to save us. (Light the Christ candle).
All: God brought us into the kingdom of Jesus, his Son. We now belong to the kingdom of light. (The other candles are lit from the Christ candle).
Leader: Jesus has paid for our sins and through him we are forgiven.
All: Thanks be to God, forever and ever. Amen.
SERVICE
As this Church year ends, plan to say thank you to those in the church who have served you in God’s name - pastors, lay ministry staff, church leaders, musicians, program leaders and others.
RITUALS AND TRADITIONS
This is the last week of the Church year. Next Sunday, we enter Advent. Share memories of your involvement in the church this past year. What were some highlights? What did you learn? In what ways did you grow? Whom did you get to know better? Whom were you blessed by or through?
Share your hopes for your involvement in the church in the coming year. Say a prayer of thanks for your church and for God’s work in and through it over the last twelve months.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
These readings are related to the Lectionary readings for this Sunday.
We invite you to take time each day to read the assigned Bible passages.
Sunday Luke 23:33-43 Christ the crucified king
Monday Matthew 2:1-6 The one born king
Tuesday Luke 19:28-38 Blessed is the king
Wednesday John 18:33-37 Jesus questioned by Pilate
Thursday Revelation 19:11-16 King of kings, Lord of lords
Friday 1 Timothy 6:11-16 Fight the good fight
Saturday Psalm 24 The king of glory comes
Sunday Matthew 24:36-44 The sudden coming of salvation
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